Questions RE: Buying a Used 2000-2006 Yukon/Tahoe

dukbludvl · October 24, 2020

Hi All - I miss my old 2000 Yukon, so I'm looking for a "new" used Yukon/Tahoe from the 2000-2006 model years. Anything in particular I should look out for? Also, I've got my eye on one, but I have a few questions for you guys about it:

1. Oil - it's a one-owner vehicle, and he always changed his own oil and used synthetic (Mobil 1, then later switched to Castrol or Valvoline, I think he said), so all that is good. But, he said he's always used 10W-40, when he can find it, and if not then 10W-30). I know these engines call for 5W-30, which is what I always used in my old 2000. What are the potential issues with him using a heavier oil, and should I stick with that same heavier oil or go back to using 5W-30 if I end up buying this vehicle? It has about 160k miles on it. The current owner lives in the deep south, so it's a hotter climate. I'll be bringing it back up to the Northern VA area, where it gets colder in the winter.

2. Tire Size - this one came with 265/70 R17s. He eventually put on aftermarket 20" wheels, and has run them for the last 5-10k miles. What concerns, if any, should I have about this? More wear/tear on the drivetrain, suspension, steering components? I have an old set of stock 17s with a nearly new set of Michelins on them. If I buy this vehicle, should I switch back to the stock wheels, or is it ok to keep running it with his aftermarket 20s?

3. Low Miles in Recent Years - current owner says he has only run it about weekly and only about 2-3k miles per year for the last 5 years. Any concerns there with under use? Seals and stuff dry out, that sorta thing?

4. K&N Cold Air Intake - current owner installed a K&N cold air intake. Any concerns there? If i buy it, should I go back to the stock box and paper filter?

Thanks in advance for any advice you all can give.

Edited October 24, 2020 by dukbludvl
mistyped a number

CamGTP · October 25, 2020

1. It won't really matter what you pick. Going back to 5W30 will not hurt a thing, it will be easier for starting in colder weather though.

2. The 20's are heavier and that does mean possible accelerated wear on bearings, ball joints and tie rods. Running them is up to you, it's all a personal preference here. Thousands and thousands of people swap out to 20's or 22's because they like the look better. Things are just heavier and cost more with big wheels.

3. No real answer for you. It's going to a 14-20 year old vehicle at this point, you can't expect perfection and stuff is going to go bad some day. Having leaks and seals needing replaced are part of the game. If you are handy with a wrench the cost to fix is far less if something came up.

4. It's fine, it makes no difference. It's not going to make the engine explode or anything.